Cowboys vs. Eagles NFL Week 10 Preview

Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

Very few things, if any, have gone right for the Dallas Cowboys, who have been nothing more than disappointing this season.

Even worse than the Cowboys, however, is the self-proclaimed “dynasty” of the Philadelphia Eagles. Although both teams share the same record at three wins and five losses, the Eagles can make the worst of the worst teams look great.

The Cowboys come in having lost to the undefeated Atlanta Falcons late in the game when the defense couldn’t get off the field with about three minutes to go in the game.

Missing his fourth consecutive game with a sprained foot will be Cowboys' running back DeMarco Murray. The Cowboys are hopeful that Pro Bowl nose tackle Jay Ratliff will be good-to-go for Sunday’s matchup after suffering a sprained ankle in Atlanta.

The Eagles are coming off of an embarrassing loss at the hands of the New Orleans Saints in which they managed to score only 13-points against one of the worst defenses in the league.

The Eagles’ offensive line sufferef another blow this week when they found out that Todd Herremans was going on injured reserve due to severe ligament damage to his right foot. Herremans is the third starting offensive lineman the Eagles have lost to injury joining left tackle Jason Peters and center Jason Kelce.

It’s worth noting that this is the first time since October 28, 1990 that these two teams will meet with losing records. Without a doubt, a loss on Sunday would surely end all of Dallas’ hope of making the postseason.

Here, are five things the Cowboys must do to put a halt to a three game losing streak against the Eagles dating back to the 2010 season.

LeSean McCoy

Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Stop the Run on Defense

The Eagles have one of the best rushers in LeSean McCoy, and stopping him is easier said than done. That being said the Eagles offensive line is banged up, and the Cowboys must take advantage of it by forcing Michael Vick to beat them with his arm.

Vick is completing only about 58 percent of his passes, and no quarterback has been sacked or hit at a higher rate than he has this season. This plays right into the hands of the Cowboys defense, which has the fifth-highest rating in putting pressure on the opposing quarterback.

Felix Jones

Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Establish the Run on Offense

The Cowboys must establish the run game against an Eagles defense, which allows an average of 114 rushing yards per game. It will be critical for the Cowboys to run the ball effectively to keep the defense fresh against the Eagles offense, which although is struggling, can very easily light up the scoreboard.

Miles Austin

Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Exploit the Eagles Defense

The Eagles are allowing 344 yards per game on defense, so the Cowboys need to dial it up a notch on offense. Open the playbook up and let the big play fly. Since firing Juan Castillo, the Eagles have allowed opponents to go 6-for-8 on throws of 15-yards or more.

What good are big play receivers if you don’t intend on using them or giving them a chance to make plays downfield?

Nnamdi Asomugha

Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Limit the Turnovers

Tony Romo leads the league in interceptions with 13 this season, and while I want them to open the passing-game up, it’s important not to get careless with the ball and put the defense in bad situations, as has been the case all season.

Dez Bryant

Eric Hartline-US PRESSWIRE

Limit the Mistakes

The Cowboys have been notorious for beating themselves with penalties, turnovers, missed tackles and dropped passes. They must eliminate the mental mistakes if they’re to be successful in Philadelphia.

The receivers must catch the ball when it comes their way, Romo must not make errant passes, the defense must make tackles and not go for the highlight-hit, and as a unit the team must eliminate the penalties.

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